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As parents we always worry and have questions. At Complete Children’s Health, we listen and care about your concerns. Our For Parents area is devoted to addressing, educating, and informing parents about some of the common issues and topics that we hear about as pediatricians. We are proud to provide several resources and you can easily access different topics and categories by using the Sections Links on this page. Please contact us with questions.

General Parenting Resources

Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours May Give Every 10-11 lbs. 2-3 mo. 12-17 lbs. 4-11 mo 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr.
NEW INFANT CONCENTRATION (Suspension) Check Bottle! 160mg/5ml 4-6 hours 1.25 ml 2.5 ml 1/2 tsp 3.75 ml 3/4 tsp 5 ml 1 tsp 1 1/2 tsp 2 tsp 2 1/2 tsp (3 tsp if over 72 lbs)
Chewable or Meltaway Junior 160 mg 4-6 hours 2 tab. 2 1/2 tabs (3 tabs if over 72 lbs.)
Chewable or Meltaway 80 mg tablets 4-6 hours 2 tab. 3 tab. 4 tab. 5 tab. (6 tab over 72 lbs.)
OLD INFANT CONCENTRATION (Drops) Check Bottle! 80 mg/0.8 ml * 4-6 hours 1/2 dppr. 0.4 ml. 1 dppr. 0.8 ml. 1 1/2 dppr. 1.2 ml. 2 dppr. 1.6 ml.
Suppository 120 mg 4-6 hours 1 supp. 1-1/2 supp.
Suppository 325 mg 4-6 hours 1/2 supp. 3/4 supp. 1 supp.
Suppository 80 mg 4-6 hours 1 supp. 1-1/2 supp. 2 supp.
Suspension 160 mg/5 ml 4-6 hours 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1 1/2 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 1/2 tsp. (3 tsp if over 72 lbs)

NOTE: New Concentration for Infants. In accordance with FDA recommendations, acetaminophen manufacturers have changed the concentration of infant acetaminophen from 80mg/0.8ml to 160mg/5ml. Be aware that there may be both the old and new concentrations of infants’ acetaminophen products available in stores and in medicine cabinets. The pediatric acetaminophen products currently on the market can continue to be used as labeled. Be sure to check the label or contact our office should you have questions

CAUTION: We recommend that you use the dropper or dosage cup that comes with your medicine to avoid overdosage. Dosage recommendations on bottles may vary from the recommendation on these pages. We would like you to use our recommended dosages unless your health care provider has given you a different (usually higher!) dosage. Aspirin should not be given to your child.

Cold Medicines

May Give Every 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr.
Benadryl Syrup 6 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 1/2 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Dimetapp Elixir 6 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Pediacare Cough-Cold Syrup 4-6 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Sudafed Syrup 6 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Triaminic (orange) Syrup 4 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: The FDA acknowledges that the ingredients in these cough and cold products have not been tested by today’s standards to identify their levels of efficacy and safety. While further studies are pending, the manufacturers are voluntarily relabeling their recommended use of these products to “Do Not Use” in children less than 4 years of age. Given the need for further research, the dosages listed below are the current recommendations of our practice.

Cough Medicines

May Give Every 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr.
Delsym Syrup 12 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1/2 tsp. 1 tsp. 1 tsp.
Dimetapp 6 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Pediacare Cough-Cold Syrup 4-6 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Robitussin Children's Cough 6-8 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Triaminic Cold and Cough 4 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Triaminic Long Acting Cough 6-8 hours Do Not Use Do Not Use Do Not Use 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: The FDA acknowledges that the ingredients in these cough and cold products have not been tested by today’s standards to identify their levels of efficacy and safety. While further studies are pending, the manufacturers are voluntarily relabeling their recommended use of these products to “Do Not Use” in children less than 4 years of age. Given the need for further research, the dosages listed below are the current recommendations of our practice.

Ibuprofen
Child's weight (pounds) 12-17 lbs 18-23 lbs 24-35 lbs 36-47 lbs 48-47 lbs 60-71 lbs 72-95 lbs 96+ lbs
Total amount 50 mg 75 mg 100 mg 150 mg 200 mg 250 mg 300 mg 400 mg
Infant Drops 50 mg/1.25 ml 1.25 ml 1.875 ml 2.5 ml 3.75 ml 5 ml
Liquid 100 mg/1 teaspoon 0.5 tsp 0.75 tsp 1 tsp 1.5 tsp 2 tsp 2.5 tsp 3 tsp 4 tsp
Liquid 100 mg/5 milliliters 2.5 ml 4 ml 5 ml 7.5 ml 10 ml 12.5 ml 15 ml 20 ml
Chewable 100 mg tablets 1 tab 1.5 tabs 2 tabs 2.5 tabs 3 tabs 4 tabs
Junior-strength 100 mg tablets 2 tabs 2.5 tabs 3 tabs 4 tabs
Adult 200 mg tablets 1 tab 1 tab 1.5 tabs 2 tabs

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.

  • Age Limit: Don’t use under 6 months of age. Reason: not FDA approved. Exception: Your child’s doctor has instructed you to use.
  • Dosage: Determine by finding child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table.
  • Measuring the Dosage: Use a special measuring or dosing device. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. If you use a teaspoon, it must be a measuring spoon. Regular household spoons are not accurate. Also remember that 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that 1/2 teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
  • Brand Names: Motrin, Advil, generic or store-brand ibuprofen.
  • Caution: Do not alternate acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen products. Reason: No benefit over using 1 med alone and a risk of overdose. Exception: Your child’s doctor has instructed you to do this.
  • Frequency: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.
  • Adult Dosage: 400 mg.
  • Ibuprofen Drops: Ibuprofen infant drops come with a measuring syringe.
  • Concentration: Dosage charts are for U.S. products only. Concentrations may vary with international pharmaceuticals. Always double check the concentration if product brought from outside the U.S.
  • Calculating Dosage: 3-5 mg/lb (5-10 mg/kg). Do not recommend dosages above the OTC adult dosage listed above, unless directed by the protocol or recommended by the patient’s PCP.
Acetaminophen
Child's weight (pounds) 6-11 lbs 12-17 lbs 18-23 lbs 24-35 lbs 36-47 lbs 48-59 lbs 60-71 lbs 72-95 lbs 96+ lbs
Total amount 40 mg 80 mg 120 mg 160 mg 240 mg 325 mg 400 mg 480 mg 650 mg
Syrup 160 mg/5 ml 1.25 ml 2.5 ml 3.75 ml 5 ml 7.5 ml 10 ml 12.5 ml 15 ml 20 ml
Syrup 160 mg/1 teaspoon 0.5 tsp 0.75 tsp 1 tsp 1.5 tsp 2 tsp 2.5 tsp 3 tsp 4 tsp
Chewable 80 mg tablets 1.5 tabs 2 tabs 3 tabs 4 tabs 5 tabs 6 tabs 8 tabs
Chewable 160 mg tablets 1 tab 1.5 tabs 2 tabs 2.5 tabs 3 tabs 4 tabs
Adult 325 mg tablets 1 tab 1 tab 1.5 tabs 2 tabs
Adult 500 mg tablets 1 tab 1 tab

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.

  • Age Limit: Don’t use under 12 weeks of age. Reason: Fever during the first 12 weeks of life needs to be documented in a medical setting. If present, your infant needs a complete evaluation. Exception: Fever from immunization if infant is 8 weeks of age or older.
  • Dosage: determine by finding child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table.
  • Measuring the dosage: Use a special measuring or dosing device. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. If you use a teaspoon, it must be a measuring spoon. Regular household spoons are not accurate. Also, remember that 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that 1/2 teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
  • Brand Names: Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic or store-brand acetaminophen.
  • Caution: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be found in many prescription and over-the counter medicines. Read the labels to be sure your child is not getting it from 2 products. If you have questions, call your child’s doctor.
  • Caution: Do not alternate acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen products. Reason: No benefit over using 1 med alone and a risk of overdose. Exception: Your child’s doctor has instructed you to do this.
  • Frequency: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Caution: Don’t give more than 5 times a day. Reason: danger of liver damage.
  • Meltaways: Dissolvable tabs that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (jr. strength).
  • Suppositories: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories. The rectal dose is the same as the dosage given byy mouth. Suppositories may only be available at local drugstore pharmacies (not grocery store pharmacies). Have the caller phone their local drugstore first to confirm availability of Feverall or generic suppositories.
  • Avoid Extended-Release: Avoid 650 mg oral products in children. Reason: They are given every 8 hours.
  • Concentration: Dosage charts are for U.S. products only. Concentrations may vary with international pharmaceuticals. Always double check the concentration if product bought from outside the U.S.
Itching / Allergies

May Give Every 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr.
Benadryl (red) Syrup 12.5 mg/5 ml 6 hours DNU* DNU* 1 tsp. 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Benadryl Fast Melts 12.5 mg 4-6 hours DNU DNU DNU* DNU* 1 to 2 tabs. 1 to 2 tabs.
Benadryl Tablet 25 mg 6 hours DNU DNU DNU DNU 1 tab. 1 tab.
Claritin 5 mg/5 ml 24 hours DNU* DNU* 1/2 to 1 tsp. 1/2 to 1 tsp. 1 to 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Claritin Reditabs 5 mg 24 hours DNU DNU DNU 1 tab. 2 tab. 2 tab.
Claritin Tablets 10 mg 24 hours DNU DNU DNU DNU 1 tab. 1 tab.
Dimetapp Cold and Allergy 4-6 hours DNU* DNU* DNU* 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Triaminic Cold and Allergy 4-6 hours DNU* DNU* DNU* 1 tsp. 2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Zyrtec 5 mg/5 ml 24 hours DNU* DNU* 1/2 to 1 tsp. 1/2 to 1 tsp. 1 to 2 tsp. 1 to 2 tsp.
Zyrtec Chewable Tablets 5 mg 24 hours DNU DNU DNU 1 tab. 1 to 2 tabs 2 tab.
Zyrtec Tablets 10 mg 24 hours DNU DNU DNU DNU 1 to 2 tsp. 1 tab.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you have questions about any of this information consult your child’s physician.
DNU = Do Not Use
DNU* = Do Not Use unless prescribed by your child’s physician.

LOCATIONS

3262 Salt Creek Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504
4020 Hohensee Drive, Lincoln, NE 68516
8201 Northwoods Drive, Lincoln, NE 68505
1336 West A St, Suite B Lincoln, NE 68522
Phone: 402-465-5600
Fax: 402-327-6074

HOURS

Office/Phone Hours
8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Saturday
9:30 am to 1:30 pm - Sunday

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8:45 to 4:30 Monday - Friday

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West A Location Only
Sick visits only, appointments required
Monday - Thursday starting at 5:30
Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

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